October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we all need to remember that prevention is more impactful than intervention. So as we think about it in the context of breast cancer it is comparable to early detection. It is much more likely to be treatable with early detection and have better outcomes. Read on to gain knowledge into a comprehensive guide to early detection.
Healthy Tip Tuesday is brought to you in partnership with Trinity Health Systems.
What are some of the things a person should always be doing:
- An at-home breast exam. Learn from a young age how to do one and do it consistently.
- Here is a guide to help you practice a self-exam.
- Go to your yearly general practitioner
- Attend yearly OBGYN appointments
- At age 40 a person should begin having yearly mammograms
- Before age 40 if there is a family history of breast cancer schedule yearly mammograms, or talk with your OBGYN or doctor about the best course of action.
A person could experience or see:
- A lump on/in their breast
- A cyst on/in their breast
- Change in the appearance of the nipple on the breast.
- Discharge from the nipple.
- Discomfort, tenderness, and pain around or on the breast underarm region.
According to the American Cancer Society, when breast cancer is detected early, and is in the localized stage, the 5-year relative survival rate is 99%.
So you can start today by doing a self-exam, and scheduling an appointment if you have never seen a doctor before for breast cancer prevention.
Connect with local professionals who care. Reach out to Trinity Health Systems Twin City today to learn more about services designed to keep you and your family healthy! Phone: (740) 922-2800
